He was born in 1926 in Jhang, now in Pakistan, and was raised in Kaithal.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1976, Pal studied physics from Punjab University. He later earned his PhD in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1958, India Today reported.

File image of Yash Pal. Screen grab from YouTube/ Rima Chibb

He was also featured in a popular science series, Turning Point, on Doordarshan in the 1980s. He was known for breaking down scientific concepts and making them easy to understand for the layman, reported Hindustan Times

A report in The Hindu states that he made significant contributions to the field of science and to the study of cosmic rays, high-energy physics, astrophysics and development, among others. He was also instrumental in establishing institutions that were key to India's space programme.

In 2009, he received the Kalinga Prize, awarded by UNESCO for the popularisation of science, the Indira Gandhi Prize for Popularization of Science in 2000 and The Meghnad Saha Medal in 2006.

In October 2011, he was awarded the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for excellence in public administration, academics and management.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled his death.

Pained by Professor Yash Pal's demise. We have lost a brilliant scientist & academician who made a lasting contribution to Indian education.